Princess Kate Returns To The Red Carpet For The First Time Since Cancer Diagnosis At Star-Studded London Charity Event
By Erin Whitten
Prince William and Kate are set to return to the Royal Variety Performance for the first time since Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2024. Kensington Palace announced on November 17 that the couple will be attending the black-tie extravaganza on November 19 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The annual Royal Variety Performance, which raises money for the Royal Variety Charity, is one of the most glamorous nights on the royal family’s social calendar and a staple of the royal family for decades.
Their absence from the 2023 show was indicative of a year in which health challenges and changes in the royal family’s working patterns were on display. In 2024, the King attended the show alone while Queen Camilla recovered from pneumonia; Kate was also still in the process of recuperating from treatment and had been scaling back on most of her high-profile engagements. Kate’s return to this year’s Royal Variety Performance shows the family’s working schedule returning to a new normal for the royal couple. More recently, they hosted the US for a visit in September.
Kate in particular is one of the Princesses of Wales to produce some of the best-remembered red carpet looks at the Royal Variety Performance over the years. A forest green beaded Jenny Packham gown and an opulent blue Safiyaa cape dress both stand out among her other looks at the event. Kate’s first performance appearance since her cancer diagnosis and treatment will also be one of the first times she is back in the spotlight since her recovery earlier this year, making the red carpet all the more highly anticipated.
On November 19, Princess Kate will be back to the Royal Albert Hall for the show, which is set to be a “bright and festive program” according to comedian host Jason Manford. Some of the acts to take the stage will include music from Jessie J, Icelandic singer Laufey, and West End and Paris cast members of Les Misérables to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the musical. Paddington The Musical will also appear for a special performance, while there will also be comedy, theatre and music from across the performing arts spectrum. As is tradition at the show, William and Kate will meet the performers and representatives of the Royal Variety Charity backstage after the performance.
Wednesday’s performance will be the sixth time the Prince and Princess of Wales have attended together since their 2011 wedding. Although the event takes place in early November, the performance will be aired in the United Kingdom closer to Christmas.
After the Royal Variety Performance, the royal couple will take on another holiday-themed show when they attend the Together at Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey on December 5. In its fifth year, the concert, organized by Princess Kate, will honor those who “bring love, support, community and togetherness” to others. The service, which is the centerpiece of a joint effort by the royal family, Buckingham Palace and the three Government departments that support the monarch, also this year will remember the late Duchess of Kent through music associated with her life of service. Princess Kate’s first Royal Variety Performance since the announcement of her recovery from cancer is sure to be a momentous and hopeful occasion for her as the royal family’s holiday season picks up steam.
